CREATE YOUR FUTURE. Manchester the music college

Transcription

1 CREATE YOUR FUTURE Manchester 2016 the music college

2 I chose Access to Music because I love music.

3 CONTENTS WELCOME from Jon Moxham Hello, I run the Manchester centre and I m really looking forward to seeing you here next year. Access to Music is different. We re not like a typical sixth form or big college. We re a friendly, creative place dedicated to giving you the vocational skills to work in the creative industries or go on to study at university level. Our students are different. Our students are creative people who like to express themselves. They are musicians, designers, producers, songwriters, visual artists and entrepreneurs with fantastic imagination and talent. Let s get together! If you have imagination and drive, then Access to Music is the place for you. See you soon! Jon Moxham Grade 2 Good Ofsted Inspection 2013 Reasons to choose us...4 Our patron: Ed Sheeran...6 Plugged into industry...7 Student stories...8 Centre facilities...10 Opportunities...12 Your career...13 Parent FAQs...14 Our courses...15 Level 1 Music...17 Music Technology: Production & DJing...18 Music Technology: Sound Engineering...19 Music Performance...20 Vocal Artist...21 Music Business & Events...22 Creative Media...23 Artist Development...24 Next steps...26 Visit us!...27 Keep in touch!...28 Grade 1 Outstanding Independent Schools Inspectorate 2014

4 REASONS TO CHOOSE US I didn t even put my name down for anything else. 4

5 A great alternative to sixth form or college We offer an exciting and practical alternative where you can shine in an inspiring environment. Making you feel at home Our students feel at home with us because it s a welcoming, creative place. Here you can be yourself. Letting you get out and do it! You can organise and take part in events from gigs in local venues to club nights, exhibitions and festivals. Courses to suit you If music or media is your passion, we ve got a course to suit you from beginners to advanced. And what s more, there are no formal entry requirements or exams*. *Students doing English/Maths GCSEs, or Functional Skills, will be assessed by exams. Boosting your creativity and confidence We encourage you to think outside the box. Tutors and guests with industry experience will be on hand to help you. Getting your hands on great kit You ll learn in a dedicated centre that s set up for creating and producing music and media. A high-quality education The college was rated Good by Ofsted in 2013 and as Outstanding by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in December Succeed and Follow in the move on up You can progress on to footsteps of... degree courses, or directly Ex-students such as Ed into the creative industries Sheeran, Rita Ora, Jess or other employment. Glynne, Tom Flynn, Laura Our Level 3 courses Welsh... to name but a carry UCAS points for few. progression to university. 5

6 'It was a wicked course. It gave me the first push and I loved the freedom. They understood that half of the learning you need for the industry was outside the classroom with gigs and studio time. OUR PATRON: ED SHEERAN 6 Ed completed his Artist Development course in London in 2009.

7 Access to Music has been plugged into the UK music industry for over 20 years. We are able to build partnerships with organisations, companies and artists, which many schools and other colleges are unable to do. We work with record labels, national and local festivals, management companies, talent agencies/shows and manufacturers. Here is a selection of our current partners: NATIONAL PARTNERS Island Records BBC Introducing Latitude Festival Native Instruments Focusrite Last Night A DJ Saved My Life The Voice The Blogger Programme SBTV LOCAL PARTNERS Unity Radio Sankeys Louder Than Words Genre Music PLUGGED INTO INDUSTRY PLAN B I think what Access to Music are doing for music education is exactly what the music industry needs. They are talking about finding and nurturing real talent, with industry-relevant experience, and encouraging creativity and selfexploration through music, which is exactly what Each One Teach One* is about. Like us they are about recognising talent, regardless of previous academic achievements. Plan B * Each One Teach One is a registered charity providing access to new skills, training and support. 7

8 STUDENT STORIES Manchester Letitia Grant Brown is a talented singer and performer who got through to the knockouts in the 2013 series of The Voice. She was picked by Jessie J for her team. She commented, I don t wanna be predictable - I want to bring something new. Karima Francis was named by The Observer as the number one emerging artist of She later signed to Vertigo Records, releasing albums The Author and The Remedy. She also had a track featured on BBC drama series Waterloo Road. She is now working with a new band called Fires. Aaron Hackett enjoyed a successful paid work experience placement with Unity Radio in Manchester which helped him gain valuable work skills. Unity is Manchester s leading independent music station. Aaron said, I d definitely recommend the experience to other people. I just love the atmosphere of the place!. 8 COURSE: Music Performance YEAR: COURSE: Music Performance YEAR: COURSE: Music Technology YEAR:

9 STUDENT STORIES Misha B is a singer/ songwriter and rapper who got through to the semi-finals of the eighth series of The X Factor where she was acclaimed for her powerful, soulful voice. She has since formed her own record label and is a joint patron of the National Diversity Awards. COURSE: Music Performance YEAR: Jamie McCool was the lead singer in Black Lights, a Manchester-based four-piece who carved a name for themselves on the national and European circuit. The band were compared to fellow Mancunians Elbow and Wigan s Starsailor. Jamie commented, The best thing was we were lucky enough to have tutors at Access to Music who believed in our music and helped us in any way they could. Matthew Foz Foster is an accomplished events organiser/ promoter who puts on some of the biggest drum n bass parties in Manchester. He has also had his music featured on BBC 1Xtra & BBC 6 Music. He said The tutors inspired me to think big and believe in myself. I would not be where I am without them! COURSE: Music Performance YEAR: COURSE: Music Performance COURSE: Music Technology YEAR: YEAR: 9

10 CENTRE FACILITIES 10 You get access to cutting-edge equipment, rehearsal rooms and studios.

11 The Manchester centre is based in a former music venue (Rafters) in the iconic St James Buildings on Oxford Street. Facilities include: Apple Mac technology and media suites Digital recording studios Performance space Fully-equipped band rehearsal rooms 11 11

12 OPPORTUNITIES You ll have unique opportunities to showcase your work. These range from a local gig or club night, to the chance to perform on a festival stage at events such as Latitude. 12 We ll also help you to showcase your work online, via digital distribution platforms, websites and social media channels.

13 WANT TO GO TO UNIVERSITY? YOUR CAREER Most of our Level 3 students go on to study at university. Access to Music has two degree courses which we run in Birmingham with Birmingham City University: BMus Popular Music Performance BA (Hons) Music Business These are some other institutions students progressed to: School of Audio Engineering (SAE) Leeds College of Music University of Salford University of Westminster The Institute (ICMP) University of East London Anglia Ruskin University The creative industries are the fastest-expanding sector in the UK economy. There are many opportunities to develop a portfolio career, work for creative businesses, or as a creative in another sector. Business leaders value vocational qualifications like ours more than GCSEs and A Levels. Access to Music gives you lots of transferable skills which you can use in any workplace. All courses include business skills, marketing and promotion. 13

14 PARENT FAQs Do you offer learning support? We provide support to every young person who needs it. We have a dedicated support team who will work with your child throughout their time with us. What is the timetable? Students usually attend college for 3-4 days per week between 9am and 5pm. Do you offer support for Maths & English? We offer support, either to develop skills in Maths and English, or to gain higher GCSE grades. What is Access to Music? We are a government-funded further education training provider operating at eight locations in England. We have over 20 years experience of music education. We are subject to Ofsted quality inspections and we are graded Good. Will it lead to a job? The creative industries are now the fastest-growing sector in the UK economy, with some areas expanding at three times the national rate. Many people operate portfolio careers, generating income from various streams. Are there entry requirements and exams? We don t have any formal entry requirements. It s more about your child s motivation and passion. All music and media courses are assessed via coursework rather than exams. Does it lead to a proper qualification? Yes, successful students gain a governmentapproved RSL qualification. These can be used to progress at Access to Music, or to go on to other courses or employment. Can they go on to university? Most of our Level 3 students go on to university. Our Extended Diploma Level 3 courses are the equivalent of taking three A Levels, and they generate the same UCAS points. How can I fund it? Tuition is FREE for 16-18s. We can also assist with travel costs to and from the centre and assist with free lunches (subject to eligibility).

15 Access to Music designs its own music qualifications with awarding body RSL. These qualifications are nationally recognised and have full parity with GCSEs, BTECs and A Levels. OUR COURSES LEVEL 1 One year 36 weeks = (Sept-June) LEVEL 2 One year 36 weeks (Sept-June) LEVEL 3 One year 36 weeks (Sept-June) LEVEL 3 Two years weeks (Sept-June) LEVEL 4 One year 36 weeks (Sept-June) = = = = STARTER QUALIFICATION RSL L1 Diploma for Music Practitioners INTERMEDIATE QUALIFICATION RSL L2 Diploma for Music Practitioners ADVANCED QUALIFICATION RSL L3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music ADVANCED QUALIFICATION RSL L3 Subsidiary Diploma/Extended PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION RSL Diploma for Creative Practitioners = = = = = Four GCSEs grades D-G Four GCSEs grades A*-C Three AS Levels or first year BTEC Diploma Three A Levels or full BTEC Diploma Studying at first year of a degree = = Up to 210 UCAS Points Up to 420 UCAS Points 15

16 It s not like doing a course in a normal college - it s in a real creative environment. 16

17 LEVEL 1 MUSIC GET THE BASICS Get to grips with the basics of musicianship and how music works. START CREATING YOUR OWN MUSIC Use music production software and instruments to start creating your own songs. Courses are built around what you want to do, rather than forcing everyone to be the same. 17 DEVELOP YOUR REPERTOIRE Build up a small repertoire of songs for recording, performance and online distribution. LEVEL 1: ONE YEAR APPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk 17

18 18 MUSIC TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTION & DJING CREATE TRACKS Compose your own amazing tracks using industry-standard software and hardware. Record and manipulate audio, with the chance to record with musicians. MIX TRACKS Mix, manipulate and master your tracks for a variety of outputs including online and pro-release. Learn how to mix tracks live. DISTRIBUTE/ PLAY OUT YOUR MUSIC Learn how to distribute your tracks both online and physically, and DJ them out live at club nights. PROMOTE YOUR ACT Learn how to promote your music and make it stand out from the crowd. LEVEL 2: ONE YEAR LEVEL 3: ONE/TWO YEARS APPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk A Level Music Tech has too much theory and is restrictive - this allows more creativity. It was the best college for me to further my skills in music production.

19 I like the opportunities to use studios and desks and gain technical knowledge. MUSIC TECHNOLOGY SOUND ENGINEERING SET UP PRO-EQUIPMENT Get to grips with pro-audio equipment in both live and studio settings. CAPTURE AUDIO Mic up and capture audio in live venues and recording studios, including drums, backline, vocals, string/brass etc. MIX AUDIO Mix, manipulate and master audio for a variety of outputs including online and pro-release. PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS Learn how to promote a sound engineering business for both live and studio work. LEVEL 2: ONE YEAR LEVEL 3: ONE/TWO YEARS APPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk 19 19

20 MUSIC PERFORMANCE CREATE & ARRANGE SONGS Write your own songs, working on your own and in groups, and arrange versions of your favourite cover songs. DEVELOP REPERTOIRE Rehearse your songs in fully-equipped band rehearsal rooms, learning the secrets of musicianship and teamwork. RECORD & PERFORM Get to perform your repertoire live at gigs in pro-venues, while recording tracks for digital and physical release. PROMOTE YOUR ACT Learn how to promote your music and make it stand out from the crowd. LEVEL 2: ONE YEAR LEVEL 3: ONE/TWO YEARS APPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk 20 The course is awesome. I am a practical person and the course suits me well - it is easier for me to learn this way.

21 VOCAL ARTIST In some ways my belief in Access to Music is so strong I d say it chooses you - it s a calling! DEVELOP YOUR VOICE Improve your vocal technique and the measures to protect your voice. BUILD REPERTOIRE Rehearse your songs in fully-equipped band rehearsal rooms, learning the secrets of musicianship and teamwork. RECORD & PERFORM Get to perform your repertoire live at gigs in pro-venues, while recording tracks for digital and physical release. PROMOTE YOUR ACT Learn how to promote your music and make it stand out from the crowd. LEVEL 2: ONE YEAR LEVEL 3: ONE/TWO YEARS APPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk 21

22 MUSIC BUSINESS & EVENTS GET SAVVY WITH THE INDUSTRY Get to know the music business and events industry from club nights, gigs and outdoor festivals to record labels and tour management. LEARN HOW TO SET UP A BUSINESS Find out all about how businesses operate from planning through to marketing and promotion. CREATE BUSINESS PROJECTS You will project manage real-world industry projects, such as promoting gigs and club nights and setting up a digital label. LEVEL 3: ONE/TWO YEARS APPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk 22 I ve always loved music and now I m on my way to pursuing a career in the music industry.

23 CREATIVE MEDIA CREATE IMAGES, VIDEOS & VLOGS Use digital cameras and editing software to create photo shoots, videos and vlogs. DESIGN GRAPHICS & WEB CONTENT Create illustrations and graphics along with design work for the web. PROMOTE YOUR WORK Learn how to promote your media talents to make you stand out from the crowd. Access to Music is like a skeleton key opening up a new world of possibilities. 23 LEVEL 3: ONE/TWO YEARS APPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk

24 ARTIST DEVELOPMENT This Level 4 course is the equivalent to studying at the level of the first year of a degree. Ed Sheeran did this course and now he s a major artist! The course generates 64 Level 4 credits. There are two pathways: MUSIC PRODUCER/DJ Develop and refine your music, skills and brand as a producer and/or DJ. MUSIC PERFORMER Re-evaluate your music, skills and brand as a band musician, singer/songwriter or session player. It helps youth to get into the music industry - there are not many organisations doing that. LEVEL 4: ONE YEAR APPLY NOW: accesstomusic.ac.uk 24

25 I ve never ever felt like I fit in anywhere before - but I feel like I do at Access to Music! 25

26 NEXT STEPS COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF! We have open events and holiday-time taster days happening throughout the year. The best way to find out more about us is to book a place at one of these sessions. You will be guaranteed a warm welcome and a rewarding visit. For details of dates, please see the following page. APPLYING You can apply for any of our courses by simply going to accesstomusic.ac.uk and filling in an online application form. All you will have to do is choose which course you want to do and at which centre. You will then be guided through how to complete our online form. It typically takes around minutes to complete an application. We look forward to receiving your application. 26 INTERVIEWS Once you have applied, we will contact you as soon as possible to arrange an interview date. Please come prepared to demonstrate and talk about your music or media skills. You will be given more information and guidance about your interview once we have received your application. There is also additional information on our website.

27 We have Access All Areas open events throughout the year where you can drop in and find out everything you need to know about studying with us. VISIT US! OPEN EVENTS 2015/16 Open events include presentations, tours, performances, Q&As and music/media activities. Book your place via: accesstomusic.ac.uk Wednesday 23rd September: 6-8pm Wednesday 14th October: 6-8pm Saturday 14th November: 11am-1pm Wednesday 9th December: 6-8pm Wednesday 20th January: 6-8pm Wednesday 16th March: 6-8pm Saturday 23rd April: 11am-1pm Wednesday 18th May: 6-8pm for Year 9s/10s only Wednesday 29th June: 6-8pm Wednesday 27th July: 4-8pm Friday 26th August: GCSE advice - 10am-7pm + drop in following week - 10am-4pm TASTER DAYS 2015/16 Taster days are an opportunity to get a hands-on taster of what it s like to study with us. The sessions take place in school holiday periods, usually run from 10am-3pm, and feature practical creative activities. Please bring some lunch and a drink with you. Booking is essential for all events via: accesstomusic.ac.uk Monday 26th October: 10am-3pm Monday 15th February: 10am-3pm Week beginning 4th April: holiday activities Friday 3rd June: 10am-3pm Week beginning 25th July: summer activities the music college ACCESS ALL AREAS V.I.P. PASS accesstomusic.ac.uk

28 STAY IN TOUCH! Access to Music Manchester St James Buildings 65 Oxford Street Manchester M1 6FQ /accesstomusic /accesstomusic OpenStreetMap contributors using data available under the Open Database License /accesstomusic the music college accesstomusic.ac.uk /accesstomusic /accesstomusicuk